Subway is known for its wide array of sandwiches, each made with a variety of freshly baked breads. One standout option that has captured the attention of many customers is their Artisan Italian Bread. But what makes this bread so special? What is the Artisan Italian Bread at Subway, and is it truly “artisan,” or just another bread variety on the menu? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the unique qualities of Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread, from its ingredients and flavor profile to its nutritional value and ideal sandwich pairings. Whether you’re a longtime Subway fan or a first-timer, by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what sets this bread apart and why it might just become your new favorite. read also!
What Makes Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread Unique?
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is often praised for its distinct texture, flavor, and quality, but what exactly makes it stand out from other bread options on the menu? This bread offers a unique balance between the traditional characteristics of Italian bread and the convenience of a mass-produced sandwich base, giving customers the best of both worlds. Let’s break down the qualities that make this bread one-of-a-kind.
Definition of Artisan Bread
Bakers use the term “artisan” to describe bread made with a hands-on approach, focusing on quality ingredients and time-intensive processes. Artisan bread features a chewy, rustic texture, complex flavor, and crispy crust. Unlike industrial bread, which mass-produces bread with high-speed machines, artisan bread is baked in small batches, allowing for greater attention to detail. The fermentation process also plays a key role in developing the deep, nuanced flavors found in artisan loaves. Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread brings this handcrafted tradition to a larger audience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more flavorful and satisfying sandwich base.
How Subway’s Artisan Bread Stands Out
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is designed to offer a slightly different experience compared to the chain’s other bread varieties. What sets it apart is its airy, light texture combined with a crispy, golden crust. The inside is soft and fluffy, while the outer layer has a delicate crunch that contrasts nicely with the fillings inside the sandwich. The use of olive oil in the dough adds richness to the bread’s flavor and contributes to its tender texture, making it a more indulgent option compared to other bread types like the classic white or whole wheat. The perfect balance of softness and crispiness is what many customers love about this bread—it’s versatile enough to hold up to a variety of fillings while still providing a delightful bite.
Influence of Italian Cuisine
As its name suggests, Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread draws inspiration from traditional Italian bread-making methods, where simplicity and high-quality ingredients are paramount. Italian breads are typically known for their lightness and airy crumb, achieved through longer fermentation periods, which allow for deeper flavor development. By incorporating these elements, Subway’s version of Italian bread offers a delicate flavor profile that complements a wide range of fillings, from fresh vegetables to savory meats. The olive oil used in the dough not only contributes to its flavor but also enhances the bread’s texture, giving it that signature Italian bread richness. Additionally, the bread’s shape—long and slightly oval—resembles traditional Italian loaves, making it visually appealing and consistent with the iconic characteristics of Italian bread.
Ingredients Used in Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread
The distinctive qualities of Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread are not just a result of its baking process, but also the carefully selected ingredients that go into its making. From the base of the dough to the final crispy crust, every ingredient is chosen to create a bread that’s flavorful, soft on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside. In this section, we’ll dive into the key ingredients that make this bread so unique and delicious.
Key Components and Flavors
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is crafted with simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create a satisfying taste. The main components include:
Enriched Wheat Flour: This forms the base of the dough, providing a soft texture and a light, airy crumb. Enriched flour means that the bread contains added nutrients like iron and B vitamins, giving it an extra nutritional boost.
Olive Oil: One of the defining features of Artisan Italian Bread is the addition of olive oil, which contributes to the bread’s rich flavor and tender crumb. The oil helps the bread stay soft and moist, while also giving it a subtle, savory taste that pairs well with various sandwich fillings.
Yeast: Like all bread, yeast plays a crucial role in the fermentation process, making the dough rise and creating the bread’s airy structure. The yeast also contributes to the slight tanginess in the bread’s flavor, giving it a depth that enhances the overall taste.
Sugar and Salt: These ingredients are added in moderation to balance the flavor. Sugar helps activate the yeast and gives the bread a touch of sweetness, while salt enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a counterpoint to the sweetness.
Water: Water is essential in hydrating the dough and activating the yeast. The balance of water to flour is key in achieving the right consistency for a soft yet slightly chewy texture.
Wheat Gluten: Adding gluten helps strengthen the dough and gives the bread its characteristic chewiness. This ingredient is vital in achieving the texture that allows the bread to hold up to a variety of fillings without falling apart.
These ingredients come together to create the signature flavor and texture of the bread. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a perfect base for sandwiches.
Is It Really Artisan?
While Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is labeled as “artisan,” the term can sometimes be misleading, as the bread is still mass-produced in Subway’s bakeries. However, the inclusion of high-quality ingredients and the more hands-on baking process give it some artisan characteristics. The bread is made in smaller batches compared to regular bread options, allowing the bakers to focus on the quality of the product rather than mass production. Furthermore, the use of traditional ingredients like olive oil and enriched flour, as well as the slow fermentation process, gives the bread a more complex flavor and texture that sets it apart from more commercial options.
Despite being baked in larger quantities, the bread still retains qualities associated with artisan bread, such as the distinct crust and rich flavor, thanks to the carefully chosen ingredients. So, while it may not be “artisan” in the purest sense, it certainly embodies some of the hallmarks of artisan bread-making.
Suitability for Dietary Preferences
When it comes to dietary concerns, Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread offers options that can fit into a variety of eating habits. Some considerations include:
Vegetarian and Vegan: The bread contains no dairy or meat-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The olive oil used in the dough also provides a plant-based source of fat, making it a good option for those avoiding animal products.
Allergens: Like many bread products, this loaf contains gluten, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It also contains wheat, which may trigger allergies for some individuals. However, it is free from artificial preservatives or additives, making it a more natural choice compared to some other fast food options.
Low-Carb Diets: Artisan Italian Bread is not ideal for those on low-carb or keto diets due to its relatively high carbohydrate content. For those following such diets, Subway offers other alternatives like their salad bases or low-carb wraps.
The simplicity of the ingredients used in this bread, combined with its natural flavors, makes it an appealing choice for those looking for a more wholesome bread option, but it’s important to be mindful of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Nutrition Facts of Artisan Italian Bread
When choosing the right bread for your Subway sandwich, it’s essential to consider not only the taste but also the nutritional content. Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread offers a flavorful base, but how does it measure up in terms of calories, macronutrients, and overall health benefits? In this section, we’ll explore the nutrition facts of this bread, compare it to other options, and provide tips for making healthier choices when customizing your sandwich.
Calories and Macronutrients
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is a tasty yet calorie-dense option, making it important to know what you’re consuming in terms of calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (typically one six-inch sandwich):
- Calories: Approximately 200–220 calories
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 grams
- Protein: 7–8 grams
- Fat: 2–4 grams
- Fiber: 2–3 grams
- Sugar: 3–4 grams
The bread is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, and it offers a moderate amount of protein, helping to balance out the nutritional profile. The fat content is relatively low, but the bread still provides some richness, thanks to the inclusion of olive oil in the recipe. While the Artisan Italian Bread does have a bit of sugar (primarily for yeast activation), it’s not excessive compared to other commercial bread options.
How It Compares to Other Subway Bread Options
When compared to other types of bread at Subway, Artisan Italian Bread is generally higher in calories due to its richer ingredients, such as olive oil. Here’s how it compares to some of the other popular bread choices:
Italian (White): Around 180 calories per 6-inch sandwich. It has fewer calories than the Artisan Italian Bread, but lacks the richness and slightly more complex flavor profile.
Whole Wheat: Roughly 210 calories per 6-inch sandwich. It offers a comparable calorie count to the Artisan Italian Bread but provides more fiber (around 3–4 grams), making it a better option for those looking to increase their fiber intake.
Flatbread: About 220–240 calories per sandwich. While it has a similar calorie count, it is typically lower in fiber than the Artisan Italian Bread and may feel lighter in texture.
Multigrain: Around 230 calories. This bread offers more fiber than the Artisan Italian Bread but is slightly higher in calories.
While the Artisan Italian Bread is not the lowest-calorie option on the menu, it is a delicious choice for those looking for a richer flavor and satisfying texture.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread does offer some benefits, particularly if you’re looking for a flavorful sandwich base with high-quality ingredients. Here are some health considerations to keep in mind:
Health Benefits:
Moderate Protein: With around 7–8 grams of protein per serving, this bread can contribute to your overall protein intake, helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Good Source of Carbs: The bread provides a solid serving of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary energy source, especially important if you’re active or need a quick energy boost.
Olive Oil: The inclusion of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support overall cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.
Health Drawbacks:
High Carbohydrates: With 40–45 grams of carbs per serving, this bread may not be the best choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. If you’re mindful of your carbohydrate intake, consider opting for a lower-carb bread or salad base.
Sugar Content: Although the sugar content isn’t excessively high, the 3–4 grams of sugar may be a consideration for those trying to reduce sugar intake, particularly when combined with sweet sauces or dressings.
Not Gluten-Free: Since the bread contains wheat flour, it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Subway does offer gluten-free options, but the Artisan Italian Bread is not one of them.
While not necessarily a “health food,” Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread can still be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with healthier sandwich fillings, such as lean proteins and fresh vegetables.
Tips for Healthier Sandwiches
While Artisan Italian Bread is delicious, there are ways to make your sandwich healthier.
Load Up on Vegetables: Add fresh vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. This increases fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Opt for Lean Proteins: Choose lean meats like turkey, chicken breast, or plant-based options. This keeps protein high and fat low.
Go Light on Dressings: Dressings can add extra calories and sugars. Choose a lighter dressing or skip it entirely.
By customizing your sandwich with healthy fillings and toppings, you can enjoy Artisan Italian Bread with fewer nutritional concerns.
Popular Sandwich Pairings with Artisan Italian Bread
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of sandwich fillings. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or classic, this flavorful bread serves as the perfect foundation to complement various ingredients. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular sandwich pairings that make the most of the Artisan Italian Bread’s soft, slightly chewy texture and golden, crispy crust.
Best Subway Sandwiches for This Bread
Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of fillings, but some sandwiches are particularly well-suited for it. Here are a few top choices that enhance the bread’s unique flavor and texture:
Italian B.M.T.
The Italian B.M.T. features Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham. These rich, salty meats pair well with the sweet Artisan Italian Bread. The bread’s soft interior contrasts with the firm meats. Its crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch.
Chicken Teriyaki
The savory-sweet teriyaki chicken pairs well with the Artisan Italian Bread’s soft texture and subtle olive oil flavor. The bread’s mild taste lets the bold chicken flavor shine. The soft inside and crunchy crust create a satisfying bite.
Meatball Marinara
The Artisan Italian Bread complements the Meatball Marinara perfectly. The chewy bread holds up well against the saucy meatballs. Its crispy crust adds a delightful crunch. The bread balances the savory marinara sauce without overpowering the meatballs.
Subway Club
The Subway Club works well with Artisan Italian Bread. The lean meats—turkey, roast beef, and ham—are enhanced by the bread’s richness. Its texture complements the balance of flavors from the meats.
Veggie Delight
The Artisan Italian Bread is perfect for a veggie-packed sandwich. Pair it with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The bread’s subtle flavor enhances the veggies, making it a light, healthy option.
Customization Tips for Customers
While these popular sandwiches are delicious as-is, the beauty of the Artisan Italian Bread lies in its versatility and how well it pairs with various customization options. Here are some helpful tips for customizing your sandwich to suit your tastes:
Add Extra Toppings
Don’t hesitate to ask for extra toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or olives to boost the flavor of your sandwich. The Artisan Italian Bread complements the tangy and spicy notes of these toppings, enhancing the overall sandwich experience.
Choose Lighter Sauces
If you’re looking to keep your sandwich lighter, opt for sauces like mustard, vinaigrette, or a small amount of oil and vinegar. These lighter condiments will allow the bread’s flavor to shine without overwhelming the taste. For a creamy twist, try adding a small drizzle of ranch or a classic mayonnaise, but be mindful of portion sizes to control calories.
Try a Toasted Sandwich
If you prefer an extra crispy crust, ask to have your sandwich toasted. Toasting the Artisan Italian Bread will enhance the bread’s crunchiness, giving it an even more satisfying texture and bringing out its savory flavors. Plus, the heat will melt the cheese, creating a perfect harmony between the bread and fillings.
Consider Protein Options
The Artisan Italian Bread pairs well with virtually every protein option on the menu, whether you’re in the mood for chicken, turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian protein like the Veggie Patty or Beyond Meat. You can also opt for extra protein to make your sandwich more filling.
Customer Reviews and Preferences
The Artisan Italian Bread has earned rave reviews from Subway customers, with many praising its unique texture and flavor. Here are a few common preferences and insights shared by regulars:
Crispy Crust: Customers love the contrast between the soft interior and the crispy crust of the Artisan Italian Bread. Many note that the bread stays fresh even after toasting, with the crust providing a satisfying crunch while the inside remains airy and light.
Flavor Profile: The subtle olive oil flavor of the bread enhances the taste of a wide range of sandwich fillings. Whether paired with meat, cheese, or vegetables, the Artisan Italian Bread adds a bit of richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Versatility: A recurring comment is how well the Artisan Italian Bread pairs with both meat-based and vegetarian sandwiches. Its mild flavor allows it to complement a variety of fillings, making it a go-to choice for many customers.
Some customers appreciate how Artisan Italian Bread holds up to heavier fillings like meatballs or teriyaki chicken. It maintains texture and flavor, even with moist ingredients. The bread is known for its flavor and versatility. This makes it a popular choice among Subway enthusiasts.
Artisan Bread vs. Regular Bread: What’s the Difference?
When choosing bread for your meal, you may encounter “artisan bread” and “regular bread.” Both are popular, but they differ greatly in ingredients, baking methods, texture, and flavor. In this section, we’ll explore the key differences between Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread and traditional bread options.
Baking Techniques and Production Process
Artisan bread is made using a more detailed and slower process than regular bread. It is often produced in smaller batches. This allows for greater control over the flavor and texture.
Artisan Bread:
Artisan bread is traditionally handmade by skilled bakers in small batches. It involves a slower fermentation process, which enhances flavor and texture. The dough rises slowly, creating a denser, more flavorful bread. Artisan bread is often baked in stone ovens or with steaming methods. This creates a crispy crust and chewy interior. High-quality ingredients like whole grains, olive oil, and specialty flours add to its unique flavor.
Regular Bread:
Bakers produce regular bread, also called “mass-produced” or “commercial” bread, on a larger scale in industrial bakeries. This bread uses faster, more automated processes that require less fermentation time. As a result, it has a lighter, airier texture and a less complex flavor. Commercial bread is typically baked in large ovens and contains additives and preservatives to extend shelf life. It is also made with refined flour and may include more sugar or artificial ingredients to quickly enhance flavor and texture.
The key difference here is that artisan bread takes longer to prepare and focuses on quality and flavor, while regular bread prioritizes speed and mass production.
Texture and Crust Differences
The texture and crust of artisan bread are often what distinguish it most clearly from regular bread.
Artisan Bread:
Artisan breads, like Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread, have a soft, airy crumb and a crunchy, hearty crust. The dough undergoes slow fermentation, giving it a chewy and flavorful interior. The crust is thicker and more rustic, offering a satisfying crunch. The combination of the crisp crust and chewy inside makes artisan bread a favorite.
Regular Bread:
Regular bread has a lighter, fluffier texture with a thinner, softer crust. The dough is kneaded quickly and doesn’t ferment as long. This results in less flavor and a lighter texture. The crust is softer and less pronounced, which may not satisfy those who prefer a hearty texture. Regular bread is easier to bite into but may not hold up to heavy fillings.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Artisan bread has a more complex flavor than regular bread. The slow fermentation process helps develop rich flavors. It uses high-quality ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast. Ingredients such as olive oil and whole grains can enhance flavor, adding savory, nutty, or tangy notes. Different types of artisan bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, offer unique flavors.
Regular bread has a more neutral flavor. It’s often described as “plain” or “mild.” The faster production process and refined flour limit flavor depth. Regular bread may include added sugars, preservatives, and dough conditioners, resulting in a sweeter taste. While it tastes good, regular bread lacks the richness of artisan bread.
Health Benefits: Whole Grains and Additives
Artisan bread uses high-quality ingredients, such as whole wheat flour and sourdough starter. This can provide more nutritional value. The longer fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, aiding digestion. Artisan bread made with whole grains or seeds may also be higher in fiber, supporting digestive health.
Regular bread is often made with refined white flour. This flour is lower in fiber and nutrients. Regular bread may contain artificial preservatives and additives to extend shelf life. Added sugars and dough conditioners can increase calories and cause blood sugar spikes.
Overall, artisan bread, especially with whole grains, offers better nutritional benefits than regular bread.
Price and Accessibility
Artisan bread is made in small batches with quality ingredients. The slow baking process adds to its cost. It’s usually sold at specialty bakeries, farmer’s markets, or high-end grocery stores. The higher price reflects the time and craftsmanship behind each loaf.
Regular Bread:
Regular bread is more affordable and widely available at supermarkets and convenience stores. It is produced in large quantities, and the lower cost is a reflection of the mass-production process, which allows for economies of scale. For consumers looking for a more budget-friendly bread option, regular bread is the go-to choice.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between artisan bread and regular bread depends on your preferences. It’s about what you want in bread. If you prioritize flavor, texture, and quality, artisan bread is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable, everyday option that’s widely available, regular bread can still satisfy your needs. For those seeking healthier options, artisan bread made with whole grains or minimal additives may offer better nutritional benefits.
Chef’s Note:
As a chef, I truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind artisan bread. The difference in flavor and texture is clear. Artisan bread, like Subway’s Artisan Italian Bread, adds richness and depth to every bite. It’s perfect for sandwiches, soup, or enjoyed on its own.
Choosing artisan bread means choosing quality ingredients and skilled baking. It’s more than just bread; it’s culinary artistry. Next time you enjoy a slice, savor the care that went into making it. Bon appétit!